WD-40 was created as a rust preventative solvent and degreaser for missile parts by technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name stems from the fact that it was their 40th attempt to create such a compound by “water displacement”, thus the name WD-40.
It is great for some purposes, but if you use it wrong it will destroy certain high-price gear.
Some of the uses from the above webpage:
Buffs out scuff marks on bumpers and removes scuff marks from cars caused by shopping carts.- Removes road debris from license plate.
- Cleans gummy buildup from steering wheels. Spray on a rag and wipe steering wheel and gear shift knobs to keep them grease-free and gripable.
- Spray on suspension gaskets to resist deterioration.
- Cleans gunk from electrical contacts.
- Removes carbon residue from spark plugs.
- Cleans bugs.
- Removes gum.
- Removes grime from antenna to improve reception.
- Cleans ignition wires.
- Removes crayon.
- Cleans gunk off snow chains.
- Removes melted rubber from exhaust pipes.
- Prevents oxidation on battery connections.
- Removes pine tar.
- Lubricates gears and sprockets on bikes.
- Loosens chainsaw triggers.
Do Not Use WD-40 As A Firearms Lubrication:
WD-40 has a lot of great uses, however firearms protection isn’t one of them. Up to 50% of WD-40 is mineral spirits, and it contains less than 25% petroleum-based oil. You can use WD-40 as an emergency firearms lubrication, however you do not want to store your firearms for long-term using WD-40 to protect the metal. They will rust and corrode away.
Don’t Use WD-40 As Fishing Bait:
Don’t use WD-40 as fishing bait. There is an old wives’ tale that says that catfish are attracted to WD-40 and to coat your lures or bait with it. It doesn’t work, and because it is petroleum-based, it unnecessarily pollutes the water.
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